lopri
Elite Member
I think most people did understand my question correctly and incorrectly at the same time. I did not mean to say that discrimination on the basis of sex in America is the same as in Egypt. Of course in America, women's equality has come a long way. (with still a long way to go)
But at the same time, most responses seem to have acutely recognized the unmistakable undercurrent that are common to both the "virginity test" and the "abstinence-only." I suppose that also explains why folks, probably reflexively, leaped to defend the women's status in America compared to that in Egypt.
I won't go into the details about the driving forces behind the "virginity test" and the "abstinence-only", and why they are not as far apart as one might think. But for anyone curious, I'd suggest reading the "abstinence-only" education materials. They're quite tragicomic. ("The near-sacred experience of the 'first time'.." "The glory of a man and a woman becoming one.." "Saving the most precious of yours for the love of your life.. " whatever, man.. )
But at the same time, most responses seem to have acutely recognized the unmistakable undercurrent that are common to both the "virginity test" and the "abstinence-only." I suppose that also explains why folks, probably reflexively, leaped to defend the women's status in America compared to that in Egypt.
I won't go into the details about the driving forces behind the "virginity test" and the "abstinence-only", and why they are not as far apart as one might think. But for anyone curious, I'd suggest reading the "abstinence-only" education materials. They're quite tragicomic. ("The near-sacred experience of the 'first time'.." "The glory of a man and a woman becoming one.." "Saving the most precious of yours for the love of your life.. " whatever, man.. )
